Je suis et je resterai

Je suis et je resterai (English: I Am and I Will Remain) is the debut studio album by French R&B and pop singer Leslie, released on 13 November 2002, released through the label M6 Interactions. The album was produced by Cutee B, Maleko, David "Little D." Adet, and Georges Padey, with lyrics being co-written by Leslie herself and producers. Lyrically, the songs explore emotional experiences common to adolescence and early adulthood—such as heartbreak, personal growth, and the quest to remain true to oneself despite outside influences. The albums' themes are rooted in themes of self-identity, love, resilience, and youthful introspection.

Upon release, the album did commercially well. Je suis et je resterai debuted at number 61 on the French Albums Chart, then reached its peak position at number 41. Overall, the album lasted 37 weeks on the chart, establishing Bourgouin as a well known R&B singer, and paved the way for other artists to popularize R&B as well. The album was certified gold by the Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique (SNEP) for French sales of 130,000 copies.

The album featured four singles; "Le bon choix", "Je suis et je resterai", "On n'sait jamais" and "Pardonner". The lead single, "Le bon choix," achieved notable commercial success in France, peaking at number 11 on the French Singles Chart and selling approximately 200,000 copies. The second single, "Je suis et je resterai," reached number 13 on the French Singles Chart and remained on the chart for 22 weeks. The third single, "On n'sait jamais," featured the group Magic System and solo artist Sweety, blending R&B with tropical influences. The fourth and final single, "Pardonner," peaked at number 18 in France and also charted in Belgium and Switzerland. Collectively, the success of these singles and the album established Leslie as a prominent figure in early 2000s French pop and R&B music.

Prior to working on her debut studio album "Je suis et je resterai", she participated in the show Graines de Star (Stardust in English) in 2001, leading to her winning the musical category for the show. Shortly after this, it led to her being discovered by producer(s) Maleko, Georges Padey, Cutee B, David "Little D" Adet (who were associated with EMC Records and M6 Interactions) and produced her debut studio album, and wrote some of the lyrics on the album.^[1] Recording sessions took place in Studio EMC, and Master Studio.^[2]

Upon release, the album achieved commercial success, selling approximately 130,000 copies in France and earning a Gold certification from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP).^[3] It debuted at number 61 on the French Albums Chart and reached a peak position of 41, remaining on the chart for 37 weeks.^[3] This sustained chart presence underscored Leslie's growing popularity and the album's resonance with audiences. The success of Je suis et je resterai not only established Leslie as a prominent figure in French R&B but also paved the way for the genre's increased visibility in the early 2000s.^[4] The album's blend of introspective lyrics and contemporary R&B sounds contributed to its enduring appeal and commercial performance.^[5]

Credits adapted from Je suis et je resterai liner notes.^[9]

• Arranged By, Producer [Realization], Programmed By [Keyboards] – David Adet (Little D.)*, G. Padey*, M. Kool Louis*
• Bass – David Picard (tracks: 7, 10)
• Coordinator [Coordination Artistique] – Christiane Ancinon
• Design – Arsenic (7)
• Graphics – Chiffon (3)
• Guitar – David Marescaux (tracks: 7, 10), Henri Deschamps (tracks: 7, 10), Jean Pierre N'Diaye (tracks: 7, 10)
• Lyrics By, Written-By – D. Adet* (tracks: 4, 6, 11), L. Bourgouin* (tracks: 2, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15), S. Sebaï* (tracks: 3, 10, 13)
• Management – David Adet
• Mixed By – Christian Lieu
• Music By, Written-By – D. Adet* (tracks: 2, 3, 6 to 11, 13 to 15), David Adet (tracks: 5), L. Bourgouin* (tracks: 4, 6, 11, 12, 15)
• Other [Multimedia] – L.E.G.
• Photography By – Big Master Flash
• Photography By [Kaleidoscope] – Enzo Minardi
• Producer – Georges Padey, Kool*
• Recorded By – Georges Padey, Kool*, Wanceslas